Justices of the Peace
General Information
Justices of the Peace are citizens appointed by Order-in-Council to perform specific administrative and judicial functions of the Provincial Court. There are approximately 175 Justices of the Peace located in communities throughout the province.
The Office of the Supervising Justice of the Peace administers all matters dealing with Justices of the Peace and is responsible for:
- Identifying suitable applicants for appointment;
- Training new and existing Justices of the Peace;
- Receiving complaints and reviewing conduct issues;
- Developing and implementing new programs and initiatives;
- Daily administration of the program.
You can contact the office by mail or by phone.
Office hours are Weekdays, 8:00 am - Noon and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
The Office of the Supervising Justice of the Peace
Provincial Court Building
Room 310, 1815 Smith Street
Regina, SK S4P 2N5
Tel: (306) 787-5682
Fax: (306) 787-4979
What is the Role of a Justice of the Peace?
Justices of the Peace are judicial officers who perform certain administrative and judicial functions on the front line of the criminal justice system. Justices of the Peace are expected to exercise these functions in a fair, impartial and independent manner. Justices of the Peace are expected to demonstrate a high standard of judicial conduct in order to maintain the public's confidence in the judicial system.
What Functions Do Justices of the Peace Perform?
The duties of Justices of the Peace include:
- Administering oaths for criminal charges laid by the police or the public;
- Confirming or cancelling police issued process (Promise To Appear, Appearance Notice or Recognizance);
- Reviewing and signing court issued process (Summons, Warrant For Arrest or Undertaking);
- Reviewing and issuing Subpoenas compelling witnesses to attend court;
- Administering oaths for Affidavits, Affirmations and Declarations;
- Considering applications for Search Warrants;
- Releasing people under conditions who have been arrested and are being held in custody;
Justices of the Peace can also perform certain court functions in the absence of a Provincial Court Judge. These are:
- Accepting guilty pleas from and sentencing accused persons charged with offences punishable on summary conviction;
- Granting adjournments of matters.
In Regina and Saskatoon, specially designated and trained "senior presiding" Justices of the Peace have authority to:
- Conduct trials for offences under various provincial statutes including traffic, liquor and wildlife offences;
- Conduct trials for offences under various municipal bylaws including noise and domestic animal violations.
Can Justices of the Peace Perform Marriages?
No. In the Province of Saskatchewan, Justices of the Peace do not have the authority under The Justices of the Peace Act, 1988 to perform marriages. Civil marriages are performed by Marriage Commissioners. In Prince Albert, Saskatoon or Regina contact the Marriage Unit of Saskatchewan Justice at (306) 787-4132 for more information. For all other locations in the province call (306) 787-3869.
When Are Justices of the Peace Appointed?
Vacancies in Justice of the Peace positions occur regularly throughtout the year and are filled as needed.
Once a position becomes vacant a notice is placed in one or more of the local newspapers requesting applications. The Office of the Supervising Justice of the Peace does not maintain an inventory of applicants and only accepts applications when a position is being filled. Interested individuals must complete an application form and go through an interview process.
What Qualifications Are Needed to Become a Justice of the Peace?
In order to be eligible for appointment as a Justice of the Peace, you must be a Canandian Citizen. Other desirable qualifications include:
- Excellant communication skills;
- Ability to exercise sound, independant judgment;
- Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality;
- Knowledge of legal process;
- Strong analytical and conceptual skills;
On the job training is provided to successful applicants.
Who Cannot Be Appointed as a Justice of the Peace?
- Practicing lawyers within the Province of Saskatchewan;
- Employees of the Provincial Government and Crown corporations;
- Employees of the Federal Government and Crown corporations;
- Members of the RCMP or any municipal police force;
- Members of the Corps of Commissionaires;
- Elected members of councils or municipalities;
- Individuals with recent or serious criminal records.
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